If you don’t know Phaedra, she’s got that effortlessly stylish thing going on whether while getting her nails done or cheering on her kids on a field. An oncology nurse by day, full-time mom and wife, Phaedra side- hustles for her passion which is fashion. As a Stella & Dot Stylist, she gets to fulfill a desire that is otherwise left unmet in her day to day.

Are you jonesing for something that’s not in your life right now? What is it? Wouldn’t it be nice to pursue it and make some $$ on the side? What’s holding you back? Fear? Lack of time? A boatload of excuses???

If you are remotely curious or maybe you've even started a side gig for yourself, please come hear Phaedra (and our other awesome panelists!) as they share their experience, wisdom and if we are lucky, Phaedra's fashion tips with our Herd on Tuesday, May 14th from 7-9 at Creative Twist Events. After the panel discussion, there will be plenty of time for mingling with other like-minded souls.

It's finally Spring! A beautiful but hectic time of year where we tend to say YES to everything because we've been cooped up too darned long.

As women, we tend to take it ALL on.... career, family, home, volunteer work, etc. And if you are like most women, you likely extend compassion, kindness and loving care to your family friends and colleagues on a regular basis no matter what time of year. It's no joke how far and continuously we extend our committed, caring selves to our obligations and loved ones.

But let me ask you this: When you experience feelings of insecurity, overwhelm or hurt, do you treat YOURSELF with the same loving care?

If you are like me or most women I know, the answer is no. But here is why we should: Research indicates that self-compassion reduces depression and anxiety by replacing self-judgment with self-acceptance. When we soothe and comfort ourselves in the midst difficult emotions and juggling too much, we no longer get lost in the rabbit hole of shame and inadequacy but take refuge in the safety of our own loving care. We become happier and more satisfied with our lives as a result.

Say what?

I'll say it again. We become happier and more satisfied with our lives as a result.

Self-compassion also empowers us to proactively cope with life's challenges. Whether we're talking career upsets, divorce, illness or parenting challenges, the big SC provides us with the resilience needed to stand loving and strong without getting overwhelmed. It motivates us to keep going even after major setbacks, building up grit and perseverance in the face of adversity.

At 3:30 pm on Sunday, April 28th, in the serenity of Maria Manjelo Photography Studio in picturesque Metuchen, NJ, we'll take you on a journey where you'll be given opportunity after opportunity to treat yourself with the same warmth, understanding, and compassion as you would for a hurt child, an infirm loved one or your best friend facing a devastating loss.

We'll hold ourselves with love - validating, soothing and comforting our own pain so that we can observe it without being consumed by it.

Sister, this isn't a one-time, feel-good thing. We are going to teach you this meditation so you can do it for yourself over and over again. This is a tool you can use whenever you need to refuel your soul's tank.

It's an hour out of your life on a Sunday afternoon before the onslaught of Monday Madness to take care of the one that keeps it all together for everyone else. It's time to take good care of YOU because nothing is as important as your well-being. You're a precious soul and the glue of your family, the backbone of your organization, the head cheerleader for your kids and the uber-volunteer of the year and God knows what else. It's time to treat yourself that way.

Do you remember the days when you only checked into a hotel, liked more things than just a status update or photo, and tweeting was something left to the birds?

Or how about this scenario? You are drafting an e-mail while handling a text message, taking that urgent call and perusing your social media notifications. Oh yeah, and in the midst of this, your child asks you something you can't seem to process....for the third time in a row. Yes? Me too. More often than I care to admit.

It's a little daunting to think how quickly technology has wiggled itself into our day to day living. It's meant to help us be more efficient. More connected. But are we really?

By adopting this 'always on, anywhere, anytime, any-place mentality' that our devices provide, we exist in a constant state of hazy alertness, scanning the world without giving any of it our full attention. This 'connection' not only saps our ability to concentrate, but adds stress and strain to our lives.

Think about it. How can we be fully engaged or 'in the moment' if we are on the phone, texting, checking social media or responding to an email?

Sure we're 'connected' but today's rate of digital consumption is like guzzling from a fire hose. Rings, beeps, alerts - -it's too much, all at once and if you are not careful, IT IS CONSTANT.

So how do we take back control in this hyper-digital age? How can we stop living in such a REACTIVE manner... without becoming a TECHNO-HERMIT???

Never fear! We are going to tackle this issue together at our upcoming Sister Talk on Tuesday, April 8th at Creative Twist Events. For this Sister Talk, we have a panel lined up for you featuring three women with varying approaches to digital use.

We will explore:

Our biggest struggles with technology

Separating personal digital use from professional and ways to do so PROACTIVELY

Recognizing when we need a Digital Detox or at least, unplug for a bit

Top tips and tricks for making technology work for you instead you being a slave to it

Join us. You'll be grateful! By learning to create a more MINDFUL relationship with your devices, you empower yourself to create a healthy and sustainable foundation for your own personal wellness, relationships, career and overall happiness.

Or maybe you already have an approach to dealing with digital overwhelm. Please join us and share your journey and success with us! Your suggestion can be someone else's breakthrough!

So pause all those alerts and RSVP Today. And then you can put your Do Not Disturb on!